Crimson Desert's Worldwide Launch Schedule Locked In as Preloading Begins

Pearl Abyss, the developer and publisher behind Crimson Desert, has officially announced the global release timing for the highly anticipated open-world action title. Preloading is currently active on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, having started on March 17. The game will launch simultaneously worldwide on Thursday, March 19, at 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET / 10 PM UK time across all platforms. Below, you'll find a breakdown of release times to help you pinpoint exactly when Crimson Desert becomes available in your region.

According to a launch FAQ from Pearl Abyss, Crimson Desert requires an internet connection for the initial setup, which includes downloading the day-one patch to ensure players have the latest version. Once installed, the game can be played offline.

On the technical front, Crimson Desert boasts extensive graphics support. PC versions feature FSR 3/4 and DLSS 4/4.5, along with AMD FSR Ray Regeneration and Nvidia DLSS Ray Reconstruction. The PlayStation 5 Pro benefits from Upgraded PSSR, while the base PS5 and Xbox Series X/S support FSR 3. Frame generation technologies like FSR, DLSS, and MetalFX are exclusive to PC and Mac, with Mac also supporting MetalFX Upscaler, Frame Generation, and Denoiser.

Crimson Desert is available for purchase on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Steam (PC & Mac), Epic Games Store, Mac App Store, and GeForce NOW. Cross-save functionality is not included. PC players can use Xbox controllers and DualSense controllers via USB.

So far, gameplay footage has been showcased on PC and PlayStation 5 Pro, with a recent look at the base PS5 version earlier this week. However, Pearl Abyss has yet to reveal any footage of Crimson Desert running on Xbox consoles. Full specifications for PS5 and Xbox versions have been confirmed, detailing performance, balanced, and quality modes for all consoles except the Xbox Series S, which does not offer a balanced option.

The console versions have faced significant scrutiny, with some accusing Pearl Abyss of withholding PlayStation and Xbox footage before launch, sparking concerns reminiscent of the Cyberpunk 2077 debacle, where CD Projekt's console versions were not shown prior to release.

Earlier this month, Pearl Abyss marketing chief Will Powers urged fans to 'let us cook' and promised to reveal console versions when ready. 'We're not hiding anything, and I'm sick of having to repeat myself,' Powers stated. 'I've said hundreds of times that we'll share details ahead of launch to give people enough time to preorder. We're being transparent... Let us cook? Please and thank you. /rant'

While awaiting the launch, check out IGN's final hands-on preview of Crimson Desert and their launch interview with Will Powers.